Tuipulotu enjoying his rugby in Devon

Carwyn Tuipulotu approaches rugby with perhaps a refreshingly simple mindset of wanting to have fun. The back-rower prepares to play his first game for Exeter Chiefs this weekend, continuing his family’s sporting heritage not just in a rugby shirt, but at Sandy Park.

His father, Kati Tuipulotu, led the way with a distinguished career as a Tongan international. Carwyn’s own rugby journey began at New Brighton RFC before more recently taking him to France, specifically Pau. A switch back to the UK in the summer of 2026 led him to a chance contract with Chiefs.

Tuipulotu said: “My Dad’s own rugby journey is the reason why our family came over here. It’s the reason a lot of families, a lot of Tongans, migrated over to places like Wales. It’s where the Vunipola’s, the Faletau’s came from. And now it’s Greg [Fisilau] and I too!

“There are a lot of cousins who are playing in Scotland, Wales and England now. A big family. I’m not sure we’re all actually related, but we call each other cousins just to simplify it. That’s the Tongan way.”

His ‘little cousin’ Fisilau has already well established himself in the South West. In more than 80 appearances for Chiefs, Fisilau has forged a name for himself as an uncompromising ball carrier and a brutal tackler. His performances have earned him an England debut off the bench this weekend against the Wallabies at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham. In Fisilau’s absence, Tuipulotu will wear the Chiefs No 8 shirt in the PREM Rugby Cup.

He chuckled: “He’s a man of few words. He didn’t say much but what he did say was how well the lads get along, that we’re all one team. That’s what I love though, the culture here. That’s what really attracted me to signing for Chiefs.”

Did he get any insight on what to expect upon walking through the doors of Sandy Park for his first day as a Chief in early October?

He said: “It’s probably a cliché, but everyone says it, that day one felt a little like the first day of school. I was really nervous. It was nice to see familiar faces though.

“I already knew lads like Joe Simmonds and Harry Williams who told me before I arrived that this is a great club and that I should be excited to get into life here. Plus, it was really nice to see Greg and some of our family too.

“I think it’s been really easy to settle in. All the lads and the coaches have been so welcoming, so it’s been a really smooth transition. I’ve enjoyed it so far, so I’m looking forward to getting stuck in more.”

It’s not just been a change of squad environment the 24-year-old forward has had to get used to. Geographically, he’s had to switch the French south-west for the English south-west.

Tuipulotu explained: “I’ve based myself in Topsham, so I’m quite close to the estuary. Going for a coffee down there is beautiful. It’s just a bit different to the Pyrenees, the mountains, but it’s beautiful in its own way.”

What is his go-to coffee order when roaming Topsham’s many coffee shop options?

He laughed: “It’s always a flat white, but I’ve started to mature a bit, going for an Americano. I don’t back myself to make them though! I had a coffee machine, and I had to give it away because I’m so terrible at the art and I always burn the milk.”

His rugby career has been more successful than his coffee making. More than 45 appearances for URC side Scarlets preceded his move to France and the Top14 competition with Section Paloise. As well as a brief stint on loan to fellow Gallagher PREM club Saracens, Tuipulotu has been afforded an array of opportunities to enhance his rugby expertise. What does he feel are his USPs then?

He explained: “I would say I’m someone that’s passionate on the field, someone who likes to energise the boys. I pride myself on my ball-carrying. I’m someone who is physical on the ball and loves to attack.”

He’ll have the chance to do just that this weekend. In the starting line-up for Chiefs’ latest west-country encounter with Bath Rugby, he brings experience to a young pack which includes three debutants.

Tuipulotu added: “We discussed our reasons and goals in our player meeting. I said proudly that I just want to have fun. After a few months not being in contract, and not being able to be with a club, that was tough for me personally. So, getting that chance to run out with the lads and get my hands on the ball, it’ll be fun. That’s what I always go back to when rugby becomes difficult for me – back to basics and having fun with it.”

Tuipulotu starts in the back-row with Joe Bailey and Finn Worley Brady against Bath Rugby in round three of the PREM Rugby Cup tomorrow afternoon. You can follow the match live in our match centre here.